9 quick 'Resident Evil 7' Do's and Don'ts to help you survive

Don't worry, it's not your fault! I mean... OK, no, it probably is. But you're meant to fail. You're meant to learn things the hard way. No amount of advice we can give you — short of a detailed walkthrough — will save you.

That's the whole point of a horror game, right? You're supposed to be tense. Frightened. Jumping at shadows and unexplained noises. The Do's and Don'ts below won't change that. But they will give you more of a fighting chance as you explore the Baker estate for answers and a safe exit.

1. Don't overlook sinks, toilets, shelves, and other hidden spaces

Resources are hidden everywhere. You often won't see button prompts to collect hidden items until you're staring right at them up close.

2. Don't stand your ground

Back off and take the time to line up your shots. In a game where every resource matters, even an errant hit from a weaker enemy puts you at a disadvantage.

3. Don't turn around slowly when a threat is closing in fast

Learn the about-face command (on a PS4 controller, pull back on the left stick and press the circle button simultaneously). It is essential when you have to nope out quickly.

4. Don't be afraid to give up and reload

Resource scarcity is one of the biggest threats in Resident Evil 7. If you waste a bunch of bullets trying to take down a single foe, just pause the game and retry.

5. Don't waste herbs to heal yourself

Save your herbs so you can combine them with chem fluids, which crafts first aid meds. These are much more effective healing items.

6. Don't waste strong chem fluids on herbs

Standard first aid meds are all you really need to get through the game. Save your strong chem fluids to combine with gunpowder, which creates 10 handgun bullets with enhanced stopping power.

7. Don't waste your ammo on body shots

Aim for the head most of all; 3-4 shots are enough to take down standard enemies. Aiming for the arms limits your foe's ability to deal damage and aiming for the legs slows them down; both fine options when you're up against a group.

8. Don't waste your bullets on bobbleheads

Use your knife! The game teaches you to shoot bobbleheads, but why waste a bullet when you can just swipe with your knife?

9. Don't waste your ammo on the Bakers

Like, ever. Whenever a Baker is pursuing you, he or she is invincible. Bullets can slow them down — especially headshots — but it's often a better idea to just run and save your firepower for weaker enemies and boss fights.

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